Streetwise

This is Exeter College’s first year back in the AASE League, a competition designed for state schools and colleges with the intention of developing players for the professional game.

“It’s been a brilliant season so far us,” says Exeter’s Head Coach Sam Morton. “We’ve always known we have had a talented squad and our players have learned a great deal through the process.”

Five of the side have had A-League experience with Exeter Chiefs this season while Richard Capstick has played for England U17s and Marcus Street, James Kenny and Charlie Wright have all represented England U18s.

Street, a prop, recently made his debut for Exeter Chiefs in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and forms part of the College’s fearsome pack.

“Our two props have both had England representative honours so we pride ourselves on our work at the set piece,” says Morton.

Player development (and homework)

For Morton, the secret to success has been developing the right culture off the pitch in order to achieve results on it.

“Our style of play is based on work-rate. The culture we have here is not about how much talent you have but how hard you want to work.

“We’ve tried to instil the right culture amongst the boys and that includes developing them as people off the pitch. We dropped a player this season for not handing in his work on time and that’s the kind of approach we take.”

Allianz beckons

Exeter reached the final after a 37-7 win over The Henley College and will be hoping to carry that momentum into what they are expecting to be the toughest fixture of the season.

“We know Gosforth like to chuck the ball about and it’s hard to prepare for a team like that so all we can do is focus on how we want to play the game,” says Morton.

“The whole squad is absolutely buzzing for this match. We know we haven’t finished the job so we’re focused on putting in the performance and getting a new name on that Trophy. “